Aromatherapy Articles

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a poorly understood chronic illness that presents with complaints of persistent, unexplained fatigue together with various combinations of other flu-like symptoms such as recurrent sore throat, headache, joint and muscle pain, poor concentration, irritability, depression, low-grade fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Although no cause has been conclusively identified, it is commonly accepted that the syndrome reflects the presence of a smoldering viral infection in persons whose immune response has been compromised by chronic physical or psychological stress.

Although no definitive "cure" has been discovered for CFS, holistic regimens emphasizing diet, moderate exercise, herbal and nutritional supplementation, massage therapy, and stress reduction have proven helpful in reducing symptoms and aiding recovery.

Aromatherapy is also an important component in holistic approaches to CFS and there are a number of essential oils which can ease symptoms and support healing processes in persons with CFS and related disorders. Specifically, essential oils such as Chamomile, Geranium, Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon, and Marjoram can be helpful, when used appropriately, for boosting the immune system, promoting relaxation, easing muscle pain, lifting mood, and improving sleep quality.

Try the following combination of essential oils in a warm (not hot) bath to ease stress and muscle pain:

Use only Therapeutic Quality Essential Oils. Draw the bath first, mix the essential oils with a tablespoon of milk, add to the bath water, swirl them around with your foot, get in and relax. Allow yourself 10 to 20 minutes. Do not get the bath water in your eyes, as the oils will sting. Use this formula once a day for 3 or 4 days a week over a two to three week period.

There are many readily available aromatherapy reference books that offer further suggestions for utilizing essential oils in CFS. Check the indexes for "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" and "Myalgic Encephalomyelits", or ME, which is the term more commonly used in England.

*This information is provided for educational interest and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Copyright © 2010 Joie Power, Ph.D. / The Aromatherapy School  |  All Rights Reserved

This article, "Aromatherapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" was originally published in: World Health News - Vol. 2, No. 1, Winter 1998, Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Power is a retired board certified neuropsychologist and former Assistant Professor of Surgery/Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia, where she performed intra-operative cortical mapping with renowned neurosurgeon Herman Flanigan, M.D. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in both in-patient and out-patient settings and during her years of practice has also been both a practitioner and student of alternative healing methods, including herbal medicine, aromatherapy, Reiki, Chinese Medicine, and other energetic healing systems. Her extensive formal training and experience in the olfactory and limbic systems of the brain give her a unique qualification for understanding the actions of essential oils in the body. Dr. Power, founder of one of the earliest essential oil companies in the U.S. to specialize in therapeutic quality essential oils, is now a clinical consultant for Artisan Aromatics as well as an internationally known writer and teacher in the fields of aromatherapy and alternative medicine. Her approach to aromatherapy weaves together her solid scientific training and strong clinical skills with a holistic philosophy that honors body, mind and spirit. Dr. Joie Power is also the author of The Quick Study Guide to Aromatherapy and numerous published articles on aromatherapy and related topics.

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